Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Professional Development
Timeline
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Cristin Christiansen

Cristin Christiansen

Durham,NC

Summary

Expierenced North Carolina paralegal with a sharp instinct for what attorneys need and how to deliver it—fast, accurately, and with a personal touch. With over a decade in personal injury, estates, civil litigation, family law, and criminal/traffic defense, I’ve seen it all and know how to keep cases (and offices) running smoothly. Before law, I taught elementary school for seven years—so I’m calm under pressure, great at explaining the complicated stuff, and naturally good with people. Whether I’m building workflows, managing client relationships, or turning chaos into order, I bring energy, clarity, and just the right amount of humor. I also thrive in client-facing roles and have the communication skills, intuition, and follow-through that make me a natural fit for sales and business development.

Overview

10
10
years of professional experience

Work History

Paralegal & Office Manager

Jennings Law Firm
08.2024 - Current
  • Successfully helped establish Jennings Law Firm from the ground up, overseeing administrative and operational aspects of the new business, including setting up office systems, managing the transition of clients, and designing the firm's branding and look.
  • Managed all office operations and was responsible for implementing case management systems, including Clio, to improve workflow.
  • Drafted and reviewed a variety of legal documents, including motions, wills, powers of attorney, and legal pleadings.
  • Managed the attorney's calendar, including scheduling client meetings, court dates, and deadlines, reminders, and due dates.
  • Played a pivotal role in client communications, assisting clients with legal processes, answering inquiries, and updating them on case progress.
  • Conducted legal research and maintained accurate case files to support case preparation and litigation.
  • Acted as a key point of contact between clients and the attorney, fostering strong client relationships and maintaining high client satisfaction.
  • Assisted in business development efforts and marketing strategies for the new firm, contributing to its growth and visibility in the community.
  • Maintained and updated organized client contact
  • Facilitated timely and accurate billing by recording billable hours, expenses, and other relevant information in the firm''s billing system.
  • Assisted in preparation of settlement proposals and agreements to help attorneys negotiate settlement in best interest of client.

Paralegal & Office Manager

Davis Humbert Law
04.2015 - 08.2024
  • Managed calendars and appointments for three attorneys, ensuring efficient scheduling and prioritization of client meetings, court appearances, and deadlines.
  • Drafted, reviewed, and filed legal documents, including motions, pleadings, wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.
  • Coordinated and facilitated client meetings, providing clear explanations of legal processes and case progress.
  • Implemented Clio software for better case management, improving workflow efficiency and reducing document retrieval time by 30%.
  • E-filed court documents with various state and local courts, ensuring compliance with all filing rules and deadlines.
  • Served as the primary point of contact for clients, responding to inquiries, updating them on case status, and facilitating communications with attorneys.
  • Independently handled personal injury files from intake to settlement, including medical records, summaries and negotiations.
  • Assisted attorneys in trial preparation, including organizing exhibits, preparing trial binders, and providing litigation support.
  • Supported the smooth operation of the office, coordinating internal communications, managing office supplies, and ensuring the overall productivity of the team.
  • Responsible for hiring new legal assistants/paralegals by posting job, collecting resumes and conducting interviews.
  • Facilitated over 500 e-filings without errors, ensuring timely submission of documents to courts.
  • Played a pivotal role in preparing estate plans for over 500 clients, tailoring documents to meet individual needs and legal requirements.
  • Assisted in the successful resolution of personal injury cases, family law matters, traffic and criminal defense matters, contributing to positive client outcomes.

Education

Paralegal Certificate Program -

UNC Chapel Hill
05.2018

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Greensboro College
06.2007

High School -

Person High School
01.2002

Skills

  • Case Management
  • Legal Document Drafting
  • Calendar Management
  • eCourts
  • Trial Prep
  • Discovery
  • Client Relations
  • Social Media
  • Marketing Support

Professional Development

  • Invoice Management for Estate Firms, CLIO, 2024
  • Using AI in Today's Law Firms, CLIO, 2025
  • Client Intake Management, CLIO, 2025
  • NC AOC Portal and E-filing Seminar, 2024

Timeline

Paralegal & Office Manager

Jennings Law Firm
08.2024 - Current

Paralegal & Office Manager

Davis Humbert Law
04.2015 - 08.2024

Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education

Greensboro College

High School -

Person High School

Paralegal Certificate Program -

UNC Chapel Hill

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Cristin Christiansen